The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
Joshua 3:17

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READ: Joshua 3:1–17

This day had been a long time coming: Joshua was about to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. But first, Joshua faced an extraordinary challenge: the Jordan River, which was at flood stage, lay between them and the Promised Land. Would this vast gathering of Israelites follow him into the water? This was his first big test as a leader.

Although most of the men and women who had fled Egypt with Moses had died by now, the story of that journey had been passed down to new generations. Everyone knew that under Moses’ leadership, God had parted the Red Sea so Israel could cross on dry ground to escape the pursuing Egyptian army. What a story! How could Joshua surpass an event like that as their new leader?

God gave Joshua specific instructions: the priests were to carry the ark of the covenant 1,000 yards ahead of the people (that’s ten football fields!). The ark symbolized the holiness of God, so both literally and figuratively, Israel would be following God as they marched forward.

Perhaps knowing the people would need a strong reassurance that God was still with them, God delivered: When the priests reached the banks of the Jordan River and their feet touched the river’s edge, the waters from upstream stopped flowing, piling up in a heap and creating a pathway forward, just as God had done for the Israelites at the Red Sea, under Moses’ leadership. Per Joshua’s instructions, the priests carried the ark to the middle of the Jordan, and then stopped. They stood on dry ground, holding the ark, while the entire nation of Israel filed past.

How long did it take for all those men, women, children, infirmed or elderly people, cattle, carts, tents, food, and belongings to cross the Jordan River at flood stage? Scholars estimate it took between three and 29 days! Faithful to God’s instructions, those priests stood day after day, holding the heavy ark of the covenant as people walked by. And by standing there, every person who crossed that river caught a glimpse of the holy ark—the physical representation of God’s presence with Israel. They were not entering the Promised Land alone. God was going before them.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

Standing in the Gap | Andy H. | Willow South Barrington

There was a sense of excitement when our family learned we’d be moving to the US. My dad had said yes to a new job: pastor of Casa de Luz (now Willow Español), where he would help grow the Spanish-speaking community of Willow Creek. He was already a successful pastor and musician in Mexico City. I remember my mom questioning the move—but for my dad, it was clear that God was calling him to step into this role, even though what that would look like was uncertain.

Looking back now, as an adult, I can only imagine what that must have been like for him. I deeply admire the courage it took to move our entire family to a new country—one with a different language and culture—to lead a brand-new ministry. He didn’t have any guarantees that things would work out; but he had faith in a God who had done miraculous things before.

That didn’t mean it was easy. Trust with our Spanish-speaking community had to be built over time, and sometimes it felt like we were on our own. It really bonded us as a family—but as time passed and relationships grew, I saw my dad become not just a leader but a pastor, caring deeply for the community until our congregation truly became a family.

I’ll never forget watching my dad “stand in the gap” in those early days, expectantly watching God make a way for everyone who walked through the doors of Willow Español. Today, I am a witness to God’s faithfulness—seeing a now-thriving church that loves God and serves people so well.

DID YOU KNOW?

Based on the final census that God instructed Moses to take after 40 years of Israel wandering in the desert (Numbers 26:51), the nation of Israel included 601,730 men, age 20 or older. Historians multiply this number by four to account for women, children, and elderly or infirmed people. When Joshua took over as Moses’ replacement, he would be leading around 2.4 million Israelites—plus all their livestock, tents, and belongings—into the Promised Land!

A PRAYER

God, sometimes I want to move and do, not just stand and wait. Standing can feel boring and it can take forever. As I fulfill my God-given assignment and follow You, remind me that if You call me to stand, others might catch a glimpse of You and Your holiness as they pass by. Amen..

FOR REFLECTION

Describe a time when you sensed God calling you to stand—to stop and be still, rather than to move forward. What were the results of your obedience (or disobedience)?

The priests carrying the ark showed incredible perseverance (and some muscle!) as they stood in the dry riverbed watching 2.4 million pass by. Is perseverance easy or hard for you? Describe a time when your perseverance paid off.